Big Sky Weddings

The Rainbow Ranch Lodge has always been one of my favorite places for a Big Sky wedding. 15 years ago I photographed there and became friends with Patrick Hurd who was part owner and General Manager at the time. He had a sand volleyball court built on the lawn near the river and it was a tradition to pack up on Sunday and head for the RR! Many great times were had followed by dips in the cold river and amazing dinners afterwards. Thank’s Patrick where ever you are.

On this Saturday, July 21st it was the congregation of the family and friends of Breckyn and Thomas that brought their joy and love to this place in celebration of their wedding day!

Chico Hot Springs weddings are a weekly occurrence all year round. For over 15 years, I have photographed with couples from all over the world at this beautiful lodge and hot springs tucked into the hills of Paradise Valley. From England to Scotland and including just about every state in the US, people come here for a very good reason. If you don’t know why, you should go visit for yourself. As they say “location, location, location”, Chico has spectacular views in every direction and I would also add service, charm, excellent food, history, a great western bar and of course a wonderful hot springs facility.

Well, on July 14th this Chico wedding couple were Montanan’s and I felt right at home!!! So much family love and participation. It was a rocking night complete with the band headed by the bride’s father, family and friends. It was great!

So… here’s a small collection of images to enjoy. Feel the Montana love!

The wedding of Diane Rauch and Eric Tackett. Happy Trails!

Thanks to Laura Simmons for her artistry! Laura joined me as second camera contributed to this collection.

I love it when my clients get so into being with one another that they forget about me snapping away. Chelsie and Vinny were in that place last year during their engagement shoot. In my mind, that’s what an engagement shoot should be ALL ABOUT! I walked away from this shoot thinking… ‘Oh My God that was crazy beautiful’ giddy and laughing to myself as if I was a little boy! I guess I am in some ways! hahahhabhahah. I knew I had just captured something extremely special!

I dubbed this little video “two souls – become as one”

If you are looking for authentically beautiful imagery for your engagement and wedding… I would love to be considered!

​Stephanie and Jay pulled all their friends and family out of Texas and from around the US and plopped them right down in the middle of Big Sky, Montana at the scenic Rainbow Ranch Lodge to witness a wedding that 'took the cake'! Later I built this story telling photo album for them to have forever. Enjoy their wedding story in pictures!

Big Sky winter wedding… and they eloped! Yep, Shelley and Brian flew in from North Carolina and headed toward their mountain top destination wedding with two dear friends. Big Sky greeted them in style with sunshine, lot’s snow and it’s amazing winter scenery! I love the bright sun on snow, it does something really good for my brain! It was a heart felt ceremony with time for laughs, tears and pause to look to our maker with reverence! Afterward they enjoyed a delicious meal and headed to Yellowstone National Park for snowmobiling and the scenic wonder of Yellowstone in winter!

It was a great way to begin another year of Big Sky and Montana weddings. After all, I incorporated Montana Wedding Photographer 15 years ago! My how time flies.

Breckyn and Thomas were up for a snowy and cold engagement session and of course… I was all in! We headed down by the Yellowstone river and braved the storm that was blowing in. This was definitely a mini session. It was about 20 degrees with 20 mph gusts! I shot until my fingers got numb and I noticed that the camera was actually starting to slow down a bit. I think 10 minutes was plenty long before we hustled back to our cars! I am looking forward to their Rainbow Ranch Lodge wedding in July wedding in Big Sky, Montana